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Environment Agency warns people to prepare

THE River Thames throughout Oxfordshire remains at a “medium” risk of flooding for the next few days.

The Environment Agency has warned that the river is expected to flood and people should be prepared.

Oxfordshire was put on an amber warning yesterday, which was set to remain in place today and tomorrow – meaning further flooding was expected. Across the South East there were 15 severe flood warnings, 70 flood warnings and 122 flood alerts in place.

The Environment Agency said the “medium” flood risk was expected to be in place along the whole length of the River Thames in Oxfordshire until tomorrow at least. Its officers were out checking flood defences and clearing any river blockages at the weekend.

Yesterday they were at Hinskey Lake installing the flood wall and one worker said they were expecting a lot more rain coming from the direction of Lechlade, Gloucestershire. On Saturday, officers put up the flood barriers along the River Thames on Osney Island. Simon Hughes, regional manager, said: “Our teams are out in force, checking that flood defences and barriers are in good working order and our Flood Ambassadors are on the ground helping people and communities.”

River levels are forecast to exceed last month’s and those in January 2003, but not 2007, the Environment Agency revealed last night. It said levels would steady for a while this morning but will then start to rise again and it expected properties could flood over the next couple of days.